CHEATSHEET

Quick reference for EQ and Compression settings

TRACK
KICK

SNARE

TOMS

OVERHEADS

ROOMS

BASS
GUITARS
(Heavy / Distorted)

GUITARS
(Clean)

EQ BOOST

EQ CUT

Between 50-70 HZ for low-end

2.5-4.5khz for slap
8khz for click & attack

150-350hz for mud

700-900hz for boxiness or
basketball sound

200hz for low end

2.5khz for midrange attack
8khz for crack/snap

500-700hz for boxiness

120-200hz for low end (rack tom)

70-90hz for low end (oor tom)
4.5khz for attack
8khz for attack

150-300 for mud

700-900 for boxy or
'basketball' sound

COMPRESS
Slow Attack
Fast Release

Slow attack
Fast Release

Slow Attack
Fast Release

12khz shelf for high-end sheen

HPF 200hz or higher

400-700hz for boxiness and
reduce kit sound

Slow to medium attack

Medium to Fast release

80hz for low end

5-8khz for presense

150-350hz for mud

8khz and above for
harshness

Fast Attack
Fast Release
Compress hard to bring
out ambience

50-80hz for sub/low-end

1khz for attitude & cut in the mix
2-2.5khz for string noise and
presence

350-700 for boxiness

LPF above 4k

Medium attack
Medium release

1.5khz to cut through the mix

2.5khz for extra aggression
5-8khz for brightness

HPF below 90-120hz

LPF above 10-12khz
250-350hz for mud

Medium attack
Medium release

250-600hz for mud or

boxiness

Medium attack
Medium release

1-2.5k to cut through

8-12khz for brightness

VOCALS
(SCREAM)

1-2.5khz to get up-front

8khz for aggressive brightness
12-14khz shelf for air

Fast to Medium Attack

Fast Release
COMPRESS HARD
Slower attack = harder
consonants

VOCALS
(SING)

1-2.5khz to get up-front

8khz for aggressive brightness
12-14khz shelf for air

Fast to Medium Attack

Fast Release
COMPRESS HARD
Slower attack = harder
consonants

EQ Quick Tips
Start with these frequencies and sweep up or down to nd the sweet spot for each track
Find harsh frequencies by boosting and sweeping, then cut
Boost as much as you need to get the job done
Use your ears - don't EQ if it doesn't need it!
Don't over-eq distorted guitars. 3-4db boosts or cuts max.
In general, cut narrow and boost wide.
Try EQing in mono to more easily hear where tracks are ghting.

COMPRESSION Quick Tips

Slower attack speeds emphasize attack (great for drums)
Faster attack speeds can soften transients and bring out ambience
Higher ratios = more obvious compression (good for intensity)
Lower ratios are more transparent
Not just for level control - use compression to shape the transients (read: hardness or softness)
of an instrument and enhance its character.
Don't focus too much on the meter - use your ears!